So. . . I know I've seen this explained elsewhere. But I can't find it. Are poets that are signed up via a registered venue automatically in the tournament? I know we've paid the fee. But before we continue fundraising to send her I want to make sure she'll actually be in the tournie.

Are you Registered or Certified? Non-certified venues I believe get to register for the tournament starting Feb 1. If you're certified and paid, unless the registartion has already filled, you should be fine.